Three and a half years ago Sally and I went parasailing while visiting my dad in Florida. I was very nervous about flying around in the sky. It was not something I dreamed of doing, but wanted us to have a special memory together. I knew Sally would like it. Most surprising of the whole adventure was how quiet it was! Shockingly quiet. I need to remember, listen to the quiet, to be still, all is well and let the crazy world float away for a few moments. This is a tool I have.

I have a morning routine. Prayers, meditation, gratefuls, checkins, readings, journaling. These things help me slow down and relax, get ready for my day. Looking out my bedroom window at the birds on my feeder is also part of my routine. My swirling thoughts can pause and then I get a little clarity.

I know when I go with the flow I always feel better. It makes me wonder why I fight “whatever” so much!?!?!? Go with the Flow, Easy Does It, Live and Let Live. All of these little sayings help me be more at peace in the world.

I’m not good with an art journal. Practice isn’t my strong suit either. I want it to be “good” or I start over. I rip pages out and never get any traction.

I follow an artist @janetskates and https://www.janetskates.com/. She started an art journal daily that I’m really enjoying. #colortheworld100.

I’m learning the art of practice!

Breathing is the easiest tool to calm me down, bring me to the present, help me think clearly. I need to to improve this simple act. Stop, breathe, all is well.

“Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it.” – Michael J. Fox

I can get so wrapped up in what my inner critic is prattling on about that I need to stop, be quiet, calm and true. A moment of clarity helps me to see the truth.

Today’s intention is breathe. It’s such a simple tool and one I forget to use so often. Every morning I do a short, gentle yoga practice. I have a place for a painting on the wall behind me and I’ve started hanging a “work in progress” or “is this finished” painting there to get a different perspective. Looking at something upside down while breathing has helped calm my inner critic. I been able to resolve those pesky issues using this tool.

Today my intention is patience. I’m learning. I’m experimenting. I don’t ever have a clear idea of where I’m going with my art. Then WHY am I impatient with my art?? That is a very good question. I need to be more patient. Let the piece unfold. It’s just canvas.

I love collage. I rarely have the patience to do detailed cutting. I don’t now why I’m in such a rush. Instant gratification from a big swipe of bright paint? I’m going to add cutting to my new things to learn.